DPR Leader Cucun: Boundaries Essential for Independent Media

“Yes, independent media still cannot escape journalistic ethics rules. There must indeed be boundaries, not arbitrarily conveying information to the public without verification from sources or the events occurring at the time,” said Cucun to reporters after a plenary session at the DPR in Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (12/5/2026).

He called for boundaries to be maintained for independent media. He also hoped that independent media would not end up becoming buzzers.

“This is important; there must be boundaries for independent media practitioners. Moreover, it should not happen that sometimes this grows unchecked and is used as a tool by certain groups who want independent media to become, or even more so, to veer towards becoming buzzers or their mouthpiece,” he stated.

He reiterated the importance of independent media adhering to journalistic ethics codes.

“But we are pleased with the openness and creativity created by independent media practitioners, which must certainly follow the existing journalistic ethics rules in our country,” he added.

Previously, the Indonesian Government Communication Agency (Bakom) commented on a meeting with several new media actors grouped under the Indonesia New Media Forum (INMF). Acting Deputy for Partnerships and Media Relations at Bakom RI, Kurnia Ramadhana, clarified that there is no cooperation or contract between Bakom and INMF or the media joined within it.

Kurnia explained that the meeting began when Bakom received an audience request from INMF on Tuesday (5/5). In that meeting, both parties introduced themselves and discussed the development of the new media ecosystem in Indonesia.

“INMF explained that they have gathered to improve quality and space for development. Some information they conveyed is that new media must have a company, address, and responsible party,” said Kurnia in his statement on Thursday (7/5).

According to Kurnia, INMF also explained several standards applied in new media, such as the obligation to have a company, address, and responsible party. On that occasion, INMF also submitted a document titled New Media Forum 2026 containing a list of new media actors.

“Bakom responded by posing several questions regarding the working mechanisms of new media. For example, about the cover both sides mechanism, which is usually a standard in conventional media. INMF answered that they have a method called verification,” he said.